The Andrew Lloyd Webber composed musical CATS is running at Indy’s beloved Beef & Bords Dinner Theater through November 22, 2026. This famous production first opened in London in May of 1981. It is still considered one of the longest- running Broadway shows.
CATS is tagged by many as a “concept musical”. The production is primarily a collection of individual cat characters presenting their stories by way of music and dance. The large cast does represent a group of many local felines gathering for an annual event in the neighborhood. No detailed plot line here, just a group of cats all wanting to be picked for a “new life” by the boss cat “Old Deuteronomy”.
The cats excitedly welcome Old Deuteronomy (Josiah Ray McCruiston)
The cast costumes and makeup are frankly remarkable. The technical aspects do turn actors into cats. In addition to visual, the cast also has nailed feline movements as they walk, jump and run around the stage between dance numbers. The audience is warned to not touch the cats as they spend a lot of time in the aisles of the theater. Be ready for a cat to come to your table! At intermission there is tons of interaction between cats and audience.
Demeter (Olivia Broadwater), left, and Bombalurina (Amy Owens) sing about the criminal cat “Macavity”
The quality of the singing and dancing in CATS will delight and amaze you as you allow yourself to completely enjoy the experience. The dance moves are enchanting as well as exciting with the jumps and leaps and synchronous choreography. I’ve never seen as many airborne “splits” before!
The cats explain the reasoning behind “The Naming of Cats” in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS
Kristi Templet is in her 20th season at B&B. Her musical direction and performing skills provide a level of professionalism rarely found. The range of music styles are wonderful and are a very important part of the overall quality of the show. Director/Choreographer Anne Beck is an accomplished Broadway performer with years of experience. This experience clearly shows with the dance numbers here on CATS.
Grizabella (PsyWrn Simone) sings the iconic “Memory” in CATS
Featuring spectacular dancing, tumbling and acrobatics, amazing makeup and colorful costumes, CATS is an unforgettable and immersive experience. Just relax and enjoy the story each cat offers in both song and dance.
The female cats are delighted when Rum Tum Tugger (Collin Skelton), center, performs in CATS
Tickets are available exclusively through Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre at B&B Website or by calling the box office at 317.872.9664. Patrons are advised that tickets purchased from third-party sellers may not be valid for performances and may include additional fees. CATS is on stage through Nov. 22.
